03 20 2015

Musical Theatre Society Features 'Moulin Rouge' The group's latest cabaret featured popular show tunes. The director said that it was 'darker and sexier' than other productions.

Page D-2

Friday March 20, 2015 • Volume 98, Issue Number 19 • An Independent, Student-Run Newspaper

the rocket

www.theonlinerocket.com

Chef shares recipes with students

University-wide name changes implemented

By Bridget McClure Rocket Contributor

HALEY BARNES/THE ROCKET

Chef Franco Lania gave a cooking demonstration on Thursday during common hour in the Smith Student Center ballroom for students. He prepared salmon and griddle cakes for students to try. He also gave students free boxes of griddle cake mix. Lania also talked about how being a 9/11 survivor impacted his experience as a chef. Lania will be cooking in Boozel on Friday, March 20.

Former SRU President dies

By Amber Cannon Assistant News Editor

A previous Slippery Rock President died Monday at his residence in Bismarck, North Dakota, surrounded by his family.

Dr. Albert Watrel, 87, was born in Brooklyn, New York on Dec. 23, 1927 to parents John Rochabowski and Julia Rochabowski-Watrel.

According to his obituary,

Watrel graduated from East Rutherford High School in New Jersey and went on to attend Syracuse University, where he majored in Bacteriology. He obtained his Master’s degree in Education and later obtained a Doctoral degree in BioChemistry. Before assuming the presidency at Slippery Rock, Watrel served as the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Chairman of the Department of Chemistry at

the State University College in Cortland, New York, according to the Slippery Rock website.

According to the Slippery Rock website, Watrel became the president of Slippery Rock State College on June 28th, 1968. Watrel assumed the role as president of Slippery Rock State College from 1968-1976.

SEE PAST, PAGE A-2

Travel complications delay and cancel SRU spring break trips “Any sort of travel isn’t without its potential complications,” Frigot said. “You have to deal Staff Member with them on a case-by-case basis. It may be one Adverse weather conditions caused delays and airline or multiple airlines, one city or multiple cancellations for some students participating in cities.” international spring break programs.

Nola Nolen, an Associate Professor in the Of the 22 international spring break trips, 12 dance department, was booked to take a group trips experienced travel of 30 students to Paris, complications causing France. Their group was delays or cancellations. Six "I might as well have told scheduled to fly out of of those trips experienced P i t t s b u r g h T hu r s d ay, delays of a day or more, them somebody had died, March 5, but faced a variety an d t wo t r ip s we re of delays from weather to cancelled. mechanical issues.

Pamela Frigot, Director that's how upset they The Office for Global of the Office for Global Engagement looked to a Engagement, said the were." variety of solutions for the weather in Pittsburgh and travel complications. at international gateway “It depends on the size of airports was the major -Nola Nolen the group, it depends on their problem causing travel destination. There’s no hard complications for students and fast rule. You just have traveling abroad over spring break. A winter to problem solve and handle the unfortunate storm hit the east coast March 5, causing 4,895 events as they present themselves,” Frigot said. flight cancellations and another 4,000 delays across the US according to flight-tracking SEE PROFESSOR, PAGE A-2 service FlightAware.

By Karleigh Santry

Various college name and degree title changes have been implemented within some of Slippery Rock University’s four colleges.

As of January, the College of Business, Information, and Social Sciences has been known as the College of Business. Within the last few weeks, the College of Humanities Fine and Performing Arts was renamed the College of Liberal Arts. Assistant to the Provost, Mary Hennessey, said there isn’t a big pronouncement when changes happen because it tends not to affect the individual lives of students.

“As these changes happen, it becomes clear that the title doesn’t resonate with the programs that are under it anymore,” Hennessey said.

Computer science moved from the College of Business to the College of Health, Environment, and Science. They also changed their title from computer science to the department of computing with tracks in computer and information science.

The College of Liberal Arts now includes the interdisciplinary programs and criminology.

“The College of Business was a title put forward by the faculty because it came clear that information, social sciences wasn’t descriptive of majors they had anymore,” Hennessey said.

“The faculty votes on it, it gets approved by the provost, and then the president.”

Hennessey said changes happen sometimes because of an accreditation issue or because a term has fallen out of disfavor and people don’t use that term anymore. For example, professional studies went to interdisciplinary programs and therapeutic recreation changed to recreational therapy.

Name changes to the colleges may affect the Living-Learning Communities (LLCs). LLCs provide students with an outside of the classroom learning experience within the residence halls.

Assistant director of residential education, Justin Kleemook, said the LLCs are designed to create co-curricular experience that compliments in class curriculum.

There are two types of LLCs, academic and special interests, that combine to make 12 total.

Academic LLCs include business, information, and social sciences (BISS), education (EDU), explore, discover, decide (XPL), health, environment, and science (HES), honors (HON), and humanities, fine, and performing arts (HFPA). Special interest LLCs include creating connections (CC), outdoor adventure/military leadership (OA/ML), leadership, sophomore year experience, transfers and L.E.A.F. Kleemook said when changes occur; he believes they will make name changes as well to stay in line with the university’s mission. Changes will affect the academic LLCs more so than the nonacademic ones, Kleemook said. He contacts the LLC applicants individually to inform them when changes are made and recommends them to another LLC that may be of their interest.

“I like to leave the decision in the student’s hand,” Kleemook said. “I believe in college, students learn that they have a voice and should use that voice to tell people what they want.”

Hennessey said the big thing to keep in mind is these changes come from the faculty and on up.

Faculty and administration get together when they believe the name doesn’t match what they do anymore.

“Changes go through a variety of approvals and curriculum processes within the department and within the college,” Hennessey said. “There is a university wide curriculum committee who approves the name change and then the final decision comes from the president.”

Maintenance Promises Safety

I'm The Worst Gay Best Friend

Basketball Loses In Tournament

SRU Maintenance works as many hours as needed to keep the campus safe.

Page A-3

RockOUT President Kristopher Hawkins addresses stereotypes as a "gay black guy."

Page B-2

The men's basketball team's season ended after a loss to IUP in the NCAA tournament.

Page C-1

Poverty Simulation Shows Struggles The Student Nonprofit Alliance showcases the difficulty of living in poverty.

Page D-1

NEWS

A-2 7-DAY FORECAST FOR SLIPPERY ROCK FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Morning snow, up to 1”; cloudy

A shower or two; not as cool

Mostly sunny and colder

Partly sunny and cold

Sunny and not as cold

Cloudy and becoming rainy

Cloudy with occasional rain

44°

34°

25°

55°

REAL FEAL TEMPERATURE

Fri.

Sat.

Sun. Mon.

Tue.

CITY Akron Allentown Altoona Cleveland Erie Harrisburg Indiana Johnstown Philadelphia Pittsburgh Scranton State College Wheeling Williamsport Youngstown

Friday HI LO W 48 38 c 34 29 sn 35 32 sn 47 38 sn 45 35 sn 37 28 sn 41 34 sn 38 33 sn 38 33 sn 46 38 sn 37 28 sn 34 31 sn 47 40 c 37 28 sn 47 35 sn

Wed. Thu.

Saturday HI LO W 58 28 pc 48 27 pc 54 30 pc 55 27 pc 49 21 sn 54 33 pc 56 27 c 51 26 c 55 36 pc 58 29 pc 48 27 c 52 28 c 60 32 pc 52 25 c 56 24 sn

37°

18°

43°

UV INDEX

Fri.

Sat.

Monday HI LO W 40 25 pc 40 22 s 40 25 s 34 25 pc 32 22 pc 40 26 s 39 24 s 37 24 s 42 30 s 41 26 pc 36 22 s 39 25 s 43 28 pc 39 22 s 39 23 pc

Sun. Mon.

Tuesday HI LO W 45 28 s 44 28 s 43 27 s 40 28 s 37 25 s 45 29 s 44 26 s 42 27 s 46 32 s 48 29 s 42 26 s 44 28 s 48 28 s 44 26 s 44 26 s

50°

Sun

Tue.

Wed. Thu.

The higher the AccuWeather.com UV Index number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection. 0-2 Low; 3-5 Moderate; 6-7 High; 8-10 Very High; 11+ Extreme.

Sunday HI LO W 37 24 s 38 21 s 42 24 pc 34 24 s 30 20 pc 43 26 pc 40 22 s 38 21 pc 44 28 pc 41 24 s 37 20 pc 39 22 s 44 27 s 40 21 s 34 21 pc

20°

39°

40°

27°

IN THE SKY

™

The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature is an exclusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors. Shown are the highest and lowest values for each day.

REGIONAL CITIES

17°

36° ®

Wednesday HI LO W 52 45 r 48 35 pc 49 39 r 53 44 sh 48 41 r 50 36 sh 50 40 r 48 39 r 54 42 c 57 45 r 48 36 r 48 39 r 54 46 r 48 37 r 53 40 r

Thursday HI LO W 49 31 r 50 32 r 51 30 r 47 31 c 44 30 r 56 38 r 50 29 r 47 30 r 61 41 r 51 38 r 51 37 r 50 31 r 52 33 r 52 36 r 48 30 r

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Moon

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Rise 7:24 a.m.

7:23 a.m.

7:21 a.m.

7:19 a.m.

7:18 a.m.

7:16 a.m.

7:14 a.m.

Rise 7:29 a.m.

8:07 a.m.

8:47 a.m.

9:29 a.m.

10:13 a.m.

11:01 a.m.

11:51 a.m.

MOON PHASES

Set 7:32 p.m.

7:33 p.m.

7:34 p.m.

7:35 p.m.

7:36 p.m.

7:37 p.m.

7:38 p.m.

Set 8:12 p.m.

9:25 p.m.

10:36 p.m.

11:43 p.m. none 12:45 a.m.

1:42 a.m.

New

First

Full

Last

3/20

3/27

4/4

4/11

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2015

March 20, 2015 NATIONAL FORECAST FOR THE WEEK TEMPERATURES

Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal

PRECIPITATION

Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal

National Summary: Snow will impact the Northeast on Friday with rain mixing in across southern New York and northern Pennsylvania. Rain will fall across Texas and the Gulf coast states. A storm system will bring rain to the Pacific Northwest. On Saturday, snow showers will impact northern New York, northern New England and across Minnesota and North Dakota. Rain and a couple of thunderstorms will occur in the Southeast and Gulf Coast. Showers will occur across the northern Rockies. High pressure will bring dry conditions to the Northeast and the mid-Atlantic by Sunday. Snow showers will occur across the Midwest.

Showers will impact the Pacific Northwest, central Plains and Florida.

NATIONAL CITIES

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday CITY HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W Atlanta 70 54 c 73 55 c 64 52 r 66 44 pc 69 45 s 74 52 s 73 53 sh Boston 34 27 sn 43 29 sn 36 19 pc 35 21 s 40 25 s 45 32 pc 52 38 r Chicago 59 42 pc 52 33 s 41 31 pc 38 28 sn 50 40 pc 58 37 r 52 31 pc Cincinnati 55 39 pc 66 40 pc 53 34 pc 47 32 c 54 37 s 66 51 sh 57 36 c Dallas 64 57 sh 64 55 r 67 50 c 73 55 pc 72 56 s 75 59 pc 69 47 c Denver 67 41 s 74 44 s 67 42 c 69 45 s 74 42 pc 63 38 c 67 43 c Detroit 54 41 pc 57 30 pc 43 27 s 38 26 pc 44 31 s 55 43 r 52 30 pc Houston 78 64 t 71 61 r 74 54 c 78 53 s 76 57 s 79 62 pc 80 55 r Indianapolis 54 40 pc 65 37 pc 51 33 pc 42 30 c 53 38 pc 65 43 sh 54 33 c Kansas City 67 42 pc 74 44 s 70 43 pc 62 39 c 73 52 pc 74 45 c 68 38 c Los Angeles 77 59 pc 74 58 s 75 57 pc 75 57 s 75 56 pc 76 59 s 86 64 s Miami 87 69 s 88 72 pc 88 71 pc 87 69 sh 84 68 pc 82 69 s 84 70 pc Nashville 63 42 c 69 52 pc 66 44 pc 67 42 pc 64 44 pc 72 53 pc 66 41 r New Orleans 80 65 t 79 68 t 77 61 r 76 56 pc 76 58 s 79 64 s 80 61 r New York City 36 32 sn 51 34 pc 41 28 s 40 30 s 44 33 s 49 40 pc 55 42 r Orlando 88 66 s 87 67 pc 89 67 pc 82 62 sh 78 59 pc 81 60 pc 88 65 sh Phoenix 80 60 pc 86 62 s 88 62 s 90 63 s 91 63 pc 87 62 pc 92 64 s San Francisco 67 54 pc 68 53 pc 66 56 c 64 52 sh 64 51 c 67 52 s 71 54 pc Seattle 61 50 c 57 41 sh 62 47 pc 55 44 r 55 45 sh 56 48 c 63 49 r Washington, DC 43 35 sn 62 43 pc 54 36 pc 48 35 s 51 37 s 58 44 pc 65 47 r Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

Past president increased SRU's enrollment P

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Continued from Page A-1

Executive Director for University Public Relations, Rita Abent said Watrel made a significant impact on the university.

Abent said Watrel was the first president to reorganize the Slippery Rock State College into the School of Fine Arts and Humanities, the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Abent said Watrel also broke the 4,000 mark in enrollment According to the Slippery Rock website, when Watrel became president, there were less than four thousand students enrolled. During his last academic term,

there were a total of 5,329 students enrolled at Slippery Rock State College. “ He g r e w t h e university,” Abent said.

D u r i ng Wat rel’s time as president, not only did he increase enrollment, but he also increased the number of intercollegiate athletic teams at Slippery Rock as well. According to the SRU Principals and Presidents book, at the time of Watrel’s presidency, intercollegiate athletics grew to 19 men and women’s teams as well as several intramural teams for both men and women.

Abent said Watrel was also responsible for organizing the first Slippery Rock Foundation, which was used to secure additional

PHOTO COURTESY OF WWW.SRU.EDU

Dr. Albert Watrel was the 10th president of Slippery Rock University. He served as president for eight years.

private financial support for the college.

Abent said he laid the groundwork for the current Slippery Rock University foundation,

which is now used for scholarships. Abent said this was one of the more important and impactful parts of

Watrel’s presidency.

Professor hopes to reschedule Paris trip Continued from Page A-1

After looking for a solution, the group learned there would be no flights leaving for Paris with 30 available seats until Monday.

“We would’ve only had three out of the seven days we had originally planned, missing two of our master classes, and some of our tours,” Nolen explained.

After a discussion with Frigot, it was ultimately decided that the trip would be cancelled.

“Half of our group broke down in tears,” Sports..............C-1 Nolen said. “I might as well have told them Campus Life...........D-1 somebody had died, that’s how upset they were.”

Finding a solution for the travel complications provided an opportunity for personal growth, according to Frigot, as students were able to take part in the decision-making process.

“Many of them had a lesson in problem resolution and coming to a collaborative 220 Eisenberg Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, PA 16057

INDEX Blotter.................A-3 Opinion................B-1 Comics...................B-3

CONTACT US Newsroom: (724) 738-4438 Advertising: (724) 738-2643 Fax: (724) 738-4896 Email: rocket.letters@sru.edu

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ROCK NOTES

To submit a Rock Note please send your announcement by 6 p.m. Wednesday to Haley Barnes at hmb1006@sru.edu or to rocket. news@sru.edu. The Rocket does not guarantee that all requests will be published in the paper.

decision in terms of what would be a suitable alternative,” Frigot said.

Nolen said she is currently working with the Office for Global Engagement to organize a trip to Paris in May or August to make up for the cancelled trip.

“These students want their trip to Paris and it truly is a once in a lifetime educational experience,” Nolen said.

Nolen said she hopes that taking students to Paris during the summer will lessen the chances of travel complications, but she knows that things don’t always go as planned.

“That’s just the way travel is. You can have everything organized and have the best plans in place, but when something like this happens it doesn’t matter what we’ve planned, ”Nolen said. “That’s the thing you learn when you travel. There are times when you just can’t go because of reasons beyond your control. You just have to wait for the next opportunity.”

Cien Fuegos The Student Organization for Latinos, Hispanic, and Allies will be hosting a dancing event on March 21 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Smith Student Center Ballroom. The event will have live performances and food. Tickets are $3.

Gruesome Playground Injuries Over the course of 30 years, Kayleen and Doug can't seem to stop meeting each other in the emergency room. Doug is brave, accident prone, fun, and is the perfect compliment to the insecure, stubborn, sarcastic Kayleen. Gruesome Play Injuries is an enticing play that deals with death, relationships, abuse, sexual assult, and scrutinizes why people harm themselves and other. Gruesome Playground Injuries will take place in Sheehy Theater on March 24th and 25th starting at 7:30. Tickets are $5.

NEWS

March 20, 2015

A-3

POLICE BLOTTER Feb. 28 – Steam from the shower set off a fire Mar. 9 – Burnt food set off a fire alarm was alarm at Building F. The panel was reset.

Building B. The alarm was reset.

Campus

Feb. 28 – There was a call from a CA at Building Mar. 16 – Burnt food set off a fire alarm at E for an alcohol violation. The case is under Building F. The alarm was reset.

Feb. 25 – Police received a call for a medical investigation. emergency at Patterson Hall. When officers Mar. 16 – Police were called about suspicious arrived, they transferred the individual to the Mar. 1 – An intruder alarm was tripped at the activities going on in a room at Rhodes Hall. The health center.

SRSGA Bookstore. Officers checked the area and case was referred to residence life. reset the alarm.

Feb. 25 – There was a call for an individual Mar. 16 – Police were called about a suspicious having a bad reaction to medication at the Morrow Mar. 1 – Police were requested to do a welfare individual at the Robert M. Smith Student Center Field House. The individual was transported to check on an individual at Building A. The asking strange questions. The person was not Grove City Hospital by ambulance. individual was located and is fine. found when officers looked for him.

Feb. 25 – Police received a call for loud music Mar. 1 – Police received a call from the health by a GA at the R.O.C.K Apartments. After further center for an individual who needed medical investigation, one individual was arrested for the attention at Building D. The individual was possession of drugs. transported to Grove City Hospital by ambulance.

Mar. 16 – An individual reported his vehicle may have been struck at the Swope Commuter Lot. The case is under investigation.

Mar. 16 – Burnt food set off a fire alarm at the Feb. 26 – A metis alarm was accidently tripped Mar. 1 – Police assisted a motorist who was R.O.C.K Apartments. The alarm was reset. at Spotts. The panel was reset. stuck at the Swope Commuter Lot. Officers were able to push the car out of the snow.

Mar. 16 – The health center called and requested Feb. 26 – Police received a call for an unknown an ambulance for a person who sustained a head individual smoking marijuana outside of Watson Mar. 2 – Police issued a written warning for injury.

Hall. Officers checked the area and no one was a burnt out headlight and taillight on a vehicle around. along Founders Way. Mar. 17 – A parent of a student called and was worried because he has not heard from his Feb. 26 – A panic alarm was accidently tripped Mar. 3 – Burnt food set off a fire alarm at daughter in a while. The officers made calls and at the Counseling Center. The alarm was reset.

Building B. The alarm was reset. the student called home and was okay.

Feb. 27 – Police received a call to meet a person about a disturbance at Spotts. The case was referred to student conduct.

Mar. 3 – The health center requested an ambulance for an individual who needed to be transported to the hospital to be checked out.

Borough

Feb. 27 – There was a call for a vehicle that Mar. 3 – Police received a panic alarm at Maltby.

Feb. 27 – Officers responded to a vehicle crash at was struck at the Swope Commuter Lot by an The building was checked and the doors were the intersection of Franklin Street and Grove City unknown vehicle. The case is under investigation. secured.

Road. Charges of careless driving and possession of paraphernalia were filed against David Nye. Feb. 27 – Borough police requested assistance Mar. 5 – Maintenance set off a fire alarm in the for a traffic accident along Franklin Street. mechanical room at Building D. The alarm was Feb. 26 – A case of identity theft was reported reset. to police when an unknown individual obtained Feb. 27 – Police, while checking the building, personal information of the victim and opened found the door unlocked at the Union Loading Mar. 5 – The cleaning staff accidently tripped numerous credit cards in her name.

Dock. Officers checked the building and re- an intruder alarm at the Ski Lodge. The alarm secured the door. was reset.

Feb. 28 – Milo Freese was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol after officers Feb. 27 – There was a call for a vehicle that Mar. 5 – Borough police requested assistance stopped him for a tariff violation along South struck another vehicle along Campus Drive. for a fight along South Main Street.

Main Street.

Information was exchanged.

Mar. 6 – Borough police requested assistance Feb. 28 – A hit-and-run was reported to police Feb. 28 – Police requested an ambulance on a traffic stop along Main Street which resulted when sometime overnight, a silver/gray SUV for a person who was having neck trouble at in a DUI. backed into a parked car in the Ginger Hill the Morrow Field House. The individual was parking lot and left the scene. Video footage is transported to Grove City Hospital by ambulance.

Mar. 9 – Maintenance reported to police that being reviewed. a plow truck bumped into a car at the Lower Feb. 28 – An intruder alarm was tripped at the Stadium Lot. Information was left for the owner SRSGA Bookstore. Officers checked the area and of the car.

Compiled by Amber Cannon the panel was reset.

Maintenance staff works to ensure safety conditions on campus

By Cody McCullough Rocket Contributor

With 15 full-time employees and their supervisor, Ed Grossman, the SRU maintenance crew has been responsible for trash pickup, work orders, delivering printing paper, and various other tasks along with maintaining 8 to 10 miles of roads and between 35 and 40 acres of parking lot during what Assistant Director of Campus Services Dallas Cott described as the worst winter in terms of small snows and ice.

Cott said that ice removal is a lot worse than snow removal and requires workers to put in more hours. For example, on Feb. 1 and 2, most of the maintenance crew worked 21 out of 24 hours when SRU was hit with a flash freeze and the temperature dropped from nearly 40 degrees to 16 degrees.

With those weather conditions, the crew was required to work 29 out of 36 hours, from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2.

“We have to make a reasonable effort to clear ice and snow,” Cott said. “We can’t ignore it for a couple days, we are always out.”

At the crew’s disposal is a one ton dump truck with salt spreader and plow, a one ton dump truck with only the plow, a pickup truck with plow and salt spreader, which is new this year and is only used by the supervisor, two pickup trucks with only a plow, and five tractors with plows and salt spreaders.

Four of the tractors are used for sidewalks and one is for smaller parking lots that the trucks do

not fit into.

This equipment is operated by nine operators and Grossman; the other five full-time employees are out shoveling by hand all day. Also if the equipment breaks down then the crew will do their best to repair it, but back up equipment is extremely limited, so if a truck or tractor goes down that means other trucks and tractors have to cover that area. Even with these difficulties, the crew is working to make the campus safe.

“Our top priority is trying to provide the safest conditions as possible, given the conditions we are dealing with for the students, faculty, staff and visitors to this campus,” Cott said. “I can guarantee you that the grounds crew employees take a lot of pride in their snow removal efforts and do everything possible to get this campus cleared as quickly as possible. Mother nature does not always allow that to happen at a schedule that meets the needs of every student at all times.”

According to 15-year veteran at the campus police department, Lt. Sharkey, the maintenance crew does a fine job. Since 2011 there have only been eight wrecks on campus or Kiester Road, and only three of those have occurred in the winter. The most recent wreck came on Feb. 4 in the stadium lot, where a car tried to stop, and slid.

The other two wrecks occurred on Kiester Road Jan. 25, 2012 and on Rock Pride Drive Jan. 24, 2014.

“I believe the cause of the accidents is driver’s error, not the snow or ice,” Sharkey said.

“For the amount of personnel the

maintenance crew has, they do a good job.”

The total area the crew covers includes 28 parking lots, all the roads on upper campus, lower campus, and roads on the outskirts. These roads are Campus Drive, Maltby Avenue, Morrow Way, Service Drive to the Boiler House, Stadium Drive, Campus Loop, North Road, Rock Pride Drive, Green and White Way, Founders Way, entrance roads near East/West Lake lots, Innovation Drive, which is the road off Rt. 108 leading to the backside of the student center, and the road leading from Harmony Road into the Equestrian Center.

Grossman talked about how the wreck on Kiester Road wasn't a poor reflection of the maintenance crew, as that road is the borough’s responsibility. The reason students will see maintenance plowing that on occasion is because they will help the borough out to help ensure student safety, Grossman said.

“We help salt Kiester for student safety,” Grossman said. “Even though Kiester is not ours, we want to make sure the students are safe.”

Three different types of salt are used on roads, rock salt, rock salt/calcium chloride mix, and bulk salt. SRU is under contract through the state to acquire 300 tons of rock salt per year. This is the same material that Penndot uses, and SRU is required to purchase 60 percent of the salt even if that much is not used. This year is not going to be a problem using all the salt as from Feb. 1 to

Feb. 6, 80 tons of rock salt were used.

“We are going to use all 100 percent this year,” Cott said. “We are looking at using possibly more than that 100 percent.”

When it comes to the rock salt/ calcium chloride mix, 88,000 pounds have been used with another 44,000 in stock. This salt is used on sidewalks and has the blue color to it, so workers do not use more salt if it has already been applied. Rock salt loses its effectiveness when temperatures drop below 20 degrees, so when you add the calcium chloride mix it helps with the melting process because the mix is meant for temperatures as cold as negative 20 degrees.

Bulk salt is used on sidewalks and roads during the heaviest of ice periods. This salt cost $67 a ton, so this year SRU has spent close to $16,000 in bulk salt. The maintenance crew will also use bagged salt, a mix of rock salt and calcium said to spread better and work better for concrete sidewalks. Bagged salt costs close to $7 per bag, resulting in the SRU spending $17,000 on bagged material as of February.

Slippery Rock has had one slip and fall lawsuit since 2011. This was in the case of Mary Ann Allega vs. Slipper y Rock University and McKeever Environmental L earning C enter. The cas e is pending and has been since February 2014.

“I take it personally when people fall,” Cott said. “Safety is our main concern.”

O

OPINION

Our View

What’s in a name? Not much

OPINION rocket.letters@sru.edu Volume 98, Number 19

220 Eisenberg Classroom Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057 Phone: Fax: E-mail:

(724) 738-4438 (724) 738-4896 rocket.letters@sru.edu

EDITORIAL BOARD Kevin Squires

Editor-in-Chief

Haley Barnes

News Editor

Katie Ellis

Campus Life Editor

Brian Hepfinger

Sports Editor REBECCA DIETRICH / THE ROCKET

Alex Mowrey

Photo Editor

Andrew Conner

Web/Social Media Editor

Shelby Stearns

Copy Editor

Amber Cannon

Assistant News Editor

Janelle Wilson

Assist. Campus Life Editor

Ryan Barlow

Assistant Sports Editor

Rebecca Dietrich

Assistant Photo Editor

Emily Brown

Multimedia Reporter

Mark Zeltner

Faculty Adviser

ADVERTISING STAFF Karleigh Santry

Advertising Manager

ABOUT US The Rocket is published by the students of Slippery Rock University every Friday during the academic semester with the exception of holidays, exam periods and vacations. Total weekly circulation is 3,000. No material appearing in The Rocket may be reprinted without the written consent of the Editor-in-Chief.

The first copy of The Rocket is provided free of charge.

Additional copies may be purchased for 50 cents each.

The Rocket receives approximately 5 percent of its funding from the SGA Student Activity fee paid each semester by students. All other income is provided through the sale of advertising.

Advertising inquiries may be made by calling (724) 7382643 or by emailing rocket.ads@sru.edu.

CORRECTIONS If we make a substantial error, we want to correct it. If you believe an error has been made, call The Rocket newsroom at (724) 738-4438. If a correction is warranted it will be printed in the opinion section.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions to The Rocket are available. Subscriptions are $20 per academic semester and $35 for the full academic year. Inquiries should be directed to the Editor-in-Chief at the address listed here.

“O, be some other name!

What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other word would smell as sweet.”

Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” Act 2, scene 2, lines 42-44 perfectly summarize how the staff of The Rocket feels about the recent name changes throughout Slippery Rock University.

From the colleges to degree programs, to Living Learning Communities, an abundance of slightly modified titles have been established by university administration.

The former College of Business, Information, and Social Sciences has become the College of Business following a shift of the former Computer Science Department (now the Department of Computing) to the College of Health Environment and Science.

Similarly, the former College of Humanities Fine and Performing Arts has become the College of Liberal Arts with the integration of the Criminology and Criminal Justice Department and the former Professional Studies Department (now the Interdisciplinary Studies Department).

Some name changes were as minute as the Theraputic Recreation Department now

being called the Recreational Therapy Department.

We feel that the massive amount of name changes that have occurred during the past year, while significant in number, are overall trivial in terms of their impact on students.

In most cases, these changes seem to reflect a more accurate depiction of what the group is providing the students. It may be that recreational therapy makes a clearer statement as to how the degree is set up and better establishes the emphasis on therapy to the outside world.

We’re sure that there are wellconsidered reasons like this behind all of the name changes which some people may disagree with.

For instance, we think that the College of Liberal Arts may be too broad of a description for an individual college when Slippery Rock University is a liberal arts university. There also can be a negative connotation on the academic vigor associated with “liberal arts” by the general public which may carry over into the college.

Semantics aside, we strongly believe that the name is not what is important, but the quality of the education being provided to students.

In the Quad

We are not concerned with what the university administration decides to call something so much as what is put into the curricula, the funding and the opportunities for students to succeed.

T h e change s w it h i n t he Department of Computing, for example, are good examples of necessary alterations to stay current with the dynamic field, and the program likely belonged under the College of Health Environment and Science to begin with.

Tailoring the degree to remain current and offering specialized tracks allows students to make the most of their degree, and moving it to the College of Health Environment and Science helps establish and strengthen collaborations between departments in the college, such as bioinformatics or computational physics work.

We think that evaluating the structure of the university and how academic programs are grouped is an important process and one that we commend the staff and faculty of Slippery Rock University for keeping a keen eye on. We just don’t particularly care what those groups decide to call a specific program or college.

This week’s question: There are about 50 days left till the end of the semester, what do you plan on doing when it’s over?

In the Quad is a segment in which random students, faculty and staff are asked for their opinions on a specific topic.

EDITORIAL POLICY The Rocket strives to present a diverse range of opinions that are both fair and accurate in its editorials and columns appearing on the Opinion pages. “Our View” is the opinion of the Editorial Board and is written by Rocket editorial board members. It reflects the majority opinion of The Rocket Editorial Board.

“Our View” does not necessarily reflect the views of Slippery Rock University, its employees or its student body. Columns and cartoons are drafted by various individuals and only reflect the opinions of the columnists.

LETTERS POLICY The Rocket welcomes letters to the editor and guest columns, but does not guarantee their publication.

The Rocket retains the right to edit or reject any material submitted. Submitted material becomes the property of The Rocket and cannot be returned. Anonymous submissions will not be published.

Those who submit letters must identify themselves by name, year in school, major and/or group affiliation, if any.

Please limit letters to a maximum of 400 words. Submit all material by noon Wednesday to: The Rocket, 220 ECB, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pa. 16057. Or send it via e-mail to: rocket.letters@sru.edu.

Brannt Pieniazek Junior, Public Health Major Wintersville, Ohio

Mack Bean Senior, Health Care Administration and Management Major Erie, Pennsylvania

Aleta Bullock Senior, Health Service Administration Major Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

“I want to take summer classes and I’m hoping to work here on campus. I’m planning on staying here most of the summer and then I might go back home for a little bit of the time.”

“When the summertime comes, I’m planning on getting an internship. I’m a junior so I need one before I graduate.”

“I have an internship at UPMC. I’m hoping this will help me with experience and finding a good job.”

OPINION

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March 20, 2015

I’m the worst gay best friend Kristopher Hawkins RockOUT President 2012-2015

Kristopher Hawkins is a fifth year psychology major from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Hatred is pervasive. Prejudice, bigotry, stereotypes and discrimination can sneak up on you during the most unlikely of times. And this is where we begin.

This is not going to be your typical rant about prejudice or oppression, nor will it be an internalized pity-party about the woes of being the “gay black guy” on campus.

Instead I hope to offer you an explanation and a bit of a what-not-to-do narrative.

Recently, a new friend received confirmation that I am gay. Immediately after this revelation she insisted that we should go shopping, go to a dance club and be best friends because she has “always wanted to have a gay best friend.” This scene was so familiar that it made my skin crawl and I could have written the script before she finished her list of stereotypes. These types of inscribed stereotypes are so established that I was easily placed inside them. If you are seeking my friendship because of the fact that I am a same-genderloving man, and you are hoping for some stereotype manifestation, then we have a serious problem. If you knew me, you would know that I am fashion deprived (and that’s putting it nicely) and my idea of a good time is meeting up with friends in an environment that is conducive of conversation… or watching Harry Potter on repeat. What her expectations of my character made me realize were two things: first, that I am not who she expects me to be, and second, that if she has these beliefs about gay men, then she must have others, and some that could be more hurtful or dangerous.

If I am not who she expects me to be, is there something wrong with me? Am I doing “gay” wrong?

Surely not. I am actively involved with lesbian and gay advocacy work, and I am involved with LGBTQIA life on campus. So I am doing it right. What is right is doing it in a way that makes me feel comfortable in my identity, not in the expectations of others based on stereotypes. What was more concerning is the other hidden stereotypes that she might have about gay men (or other queer people). These are the stereotypes that RockOUT (the student LGBTQIA organization) and other affinity groups on campus are working very hard to eliminate. We are starting a dialogue with the campus community about how to be more inclusive, welcoming, and accepting of diversity.

As a biracial man I find myself in even more troubling situations. First, my experiences are always minimized to the dichotomy of the black or white paradigm. Except, I am the walking, talking grey area!

The situations that infuriate me are when people that I know, even my friends, remind me of when my inner black/white is coming out. They would probably be surprised to know that I only have an “inner-biracial.”

I was raised in an interracial household, with an interracial family, with a whole host of experiences that were both culturally black and white, not black or white.

But I cannot just reject the reality of the dichotomy. It is my job, and the job of other social justice advocates, working with the system that we have, to transform it in a way that is more equal and equitable. The current state of our propensity towards racial profiling assumes that I am black and only black, and all of the attributes that come with that identity. For me this isn’t the problem, despite the fact that my entire cultural heritage is being reduced along with all of the richness and complexity that comes with it. The problem surfaces when I am reminded of the injustices that are served to people all over this country because they are black. This is the first solution: We should begin challenging people’s notions of what it means to be black, or what is means to be queer. Fact: What it means to be [insert identity] is unique to the individual, with some shared qualities. And, for the sake of equality, this new way of thinking should be expanded to include all minority and underrepresented people. This is the same challenge that I will offer you.

The challenge looks like this: think about what you are saying. If you think that what you are saying

might be offensive, or offensive to someone with any given identity, then reevaluate it. Consider what the underlying message of your statement might be. The reason that racism, sexism, heterosexism, ablism, and all of the other -isms are so pervasive is because they happen on the micro level in our day-to-day social interactions.

I overheard a conversation on campus where one student said, “You know… all of the Kardashian’s are dating black men… I just don’t get it… “ And another student responded, “…they got it from their mother, what do you expect?” What’s to get? What’s the problem? GOT WHAT, FROM WHOM? On the surface this might seem harmless, but these statements are really reflecting a notion of racism that suggests interracial relationships should be frowned upon, or even outlawed (see the Supreme Court Case, Loving v. Virginia, 1967). This is 2015, friends.

To further this point, I’ll offer one final example. A few days after the former incident, another student said, “I love black people music.” In short, if it were “black people music” you wouldn’t be listening to it.

The CD or MP4 didn’t come branded with a request for proof of racial identity to listen to the song. (To be clear, my iTunes list includes Eminem, the Frozen Soundtrack, The Fray, Beyoncé, Mumford & Sons and John Legend). Black artists don’t make music for black people; they make music for people.

Now, lets get back to the challenge: Think about what you are saying! Look at the people in your life and determine just how they do not fit into the stereotypes that our social world has created for us.

The real challenge will be questioning the language that your friends and family use. It’s easy to stand up to our enemies, but difficult to stand up to friends. (See that, I just paraphrased a Harry Potter quote.) Even just asking “What is it that that you mean when you say ‘that’s so gay’?”

I am challenging each of us (including every race, ethnicity, gender, sex, nationality, religious creed, sexual orientation, ability status, etc.) to start a dialogue about our identities. I am challenging Slippery Rock University to be more inclusive, and not a breeding ground for ignorance. This institution has become, for many of us, a second home. Slippery Rock University is becoming a more diverse community; so let’s talk about it.

Raising the minimum wage a necessary call

Victoria Davis Commentary Victoria Davis is a freshman English Secondary Education major from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The idea of raising the federal minimum wage has many up-in-arms, but what many fail to realize is this: it is not a matter of the government versus corporations, or businesses versus the individual, it is a matter of ensuring that those employed

in the United States are able to live on the wages they make.

Adjusting for inflation, the minimum wage is less than it was in 1981 when Reagan was in office, and yet many people claim that raising it is unfair, unnecessary, and will hurt the economy.

The irony in the accusation that the economy will be damaged is of course that the minimum wage has been raised 22 times since the 1930’s, and the GDP has “steadily increased” with it, according to the Department of Labor.

Jason Toon of Vice News says, “Let’s say a Big Mac costs $5 now raise the minimum wage to $10.10. And while McDonald’s former CEO adamantly affirms that this would hurt small businesses and kill jobs, this will raise the price of the Big Mac to about $5.14.”

What the latter man failed to research is that three out of five small business owners support raising the minimum wage to $10.10 but, rather than looking up facts,

he has made assumptions based on what would be best for his job position, rather than what would be best for the minimum wage workers.

Michael Reich, Professor of Economics at the University of California, was quoted as saying, “We do not find evidence that raising the minimum wage kills jobs, but we do find evidence that it kills job vacancies.”

Many against raising the minimum wage say that they do not want to support something that primarily benefits part time school age students, but in reality 88 percent of those who it would benefit are over 20, and over half work full time, but this is not to say a higher minimum wage would not help students. Richard Wolff, an economist as well as a professor of economics at University of Massachusetts Amherst, said in an article by USA Today that this “would be an enormous help to students struggling with college costs.”

Aside from the overwhelming statistics and expert opinions in favor of raising the

federal minimum wage, think about what those opposed are actually saying: minimum wage workers’ contribution to society is not worth the money it takes to survive in the modern United States. The only alternatives to this is that they genuinely care so little for the livelihood of their peers that they do not understand how difficult it is to get by on the current minimum wage, or they do not check the information that is agreed upon by economics experts, government officials and research journalists.

Before you speak out against raising the minimum wage, realize that in doing so you are deeming a group of people’s worth than less than your own because of their career choice. Who are you to determine what is an “entry level position” and what is a “career?” All Americans deserve a livable wage, and many are earning less than that in 2015. I would rather pay 10 cents extra for my Big Mac than live in a country where we tell some people their time is not valuable enough for them to survive.

Martial arts classes should be offered to students

Joseph Szalinski Commentary Joseph Szalinski is a junior creative writing and professional writing dual major from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Mo s t publ i c s ch o ol s offer some sort of physical education program, as per their curriculum, but very few cater to specific interests

or disciplines, or even seem varied in any way. Since their introduction in the 1960s, physical education classes have either been enjoyed by anyone athletically inclined, or disliked by anyone who wasn’t.

By the time I graduated from junior high school and made it to high school, I was allowed to make a selection from three types of gym classes.

The first one was regular gym, while the second was a creative movement class (they did dances and used the Wii), while the third choice was personal fitness. I chose the last option every year offered, but I still wanted more variety.

The notion of putting martial arts into schools is not a new one, and it has a lot of support. There are numerous

benefits for encouraging such a program, such as students learning a deeper sense of discipline, how to defend themselves, and how to properly conduct themselves around others. Keep in mind that martial arts come with a philosophy attached to them.

Wh i l e n ot e v e r y on e will abide by the tenets of philosophical system, it will still get them thinking about dissenting ideologies to their own, and hopefully pique an interest in thinking differently.

Martial arts also promote selfcontrol. The argument that “learning how to fight” would only increase inter-scholastic violence is completely absurd. Aggressive tendencies are suppressed, under the tutelage of the right teachers,

so violent people actually become more reserved and docile. Conversely, teaching an otherwise vulnerable student to defend him or herself can come in handy, even if it’s a grim reality school administrators don’t enjoy considering.

Granted, there are some problems that come along with integrating a martial arts program into existing curriculums. The first one is finding credible and passionate instructors willing to devote time and energy to teaching their craft. Second problem is that many schools (especially under-privilege and overlooked schools) may not be able to afford reputable instructors. And not to mention, some districts even lay off faculty, how can they

hire people who have their own studios outside of the school?

Thirdly, dealing with rowdy kids who don’t want to commit to learning the subtleties of the art.

I propose this is tested in schools that have the ability to undergo trial runs of a program. If successful, and if the necessary changes occur in district policies, this can yield many positive results.

I believe students would appreciate a free, interesting and unconventional approach to gym class; one that promotes striving to be one’s best (outside of a team based context) and thinking differently. I would have loved to have that over boring mat ball any day.

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March 20, 2015

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C

COMICS

Poppy

By Brooke Griffin

COMICS

Horoscopes Today's Birthday (03/20/15). Today's eclipse is auspicious for setting intentions and making plans for your next year. Schedule the steps to realize an educational dream. April resolutions bring more fun and romance. Create an itinerary for launch after 6/14. Breakthroughs around service, vitality and personal growth arise after autumn eclipses (10/13 and 10/27). Play together with people you love.

To get the advantage, check the day's rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Brooke Griffin is a sophomore communication major from Meadville, Pennsylvania.

Best in Show

By Phil Juliano

Brewster Rockit: Space Guy

By Tim Rickard

Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is an 8 -- The competition seems intense. Be on time. Listen to your heart. You have the power. Use it wisely. Complete an old phase or job with the Vernal Equinox solar eclipse. Having a financial plan gives you energy. Take time to look back and forward.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -Your workload could seem intense. Friends are exceptionally helpful for the next two days. Collect what you're owed. One group project ends and another begins with the solar eclipse. Your team inspires you. Network and collaborate.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Concentrate on doing what you promised. Completion fosters creativity over the next six months after today's solar eclipse. Acknowledge team members for their contribution. Celebrate accomplishments with this Equinox. Realign your mind to your heart.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Gain authority by being respectful. Complete old projects and adventures to create space for the new over the next six months, with this Vernal Equinox solar eclipse. Use tested methods. Graduate to the next level. Make the change.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Support a partner to manage accounts. One door closes as another opens regarding shared finances with this Vernal Equinox solar eclipse. Make a change that includes a major purchase or sale. Love is the bottom line.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- With this solar eclipse (on the Vernal Equinox), one phase ends as the next begins in a partnership. Transform your relationship. Begin or renew a collaboration over the next six months. Complete old promises and invent new possibilities together.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- End one stage in a work project, as the next begins with the solar eclipse. Make a change with this Spring Equinox. Re-evaluate what you have and want. Let go of an old habit. The basis of your strength is love.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- A shift in priorities arises with the solar eclipse. One game folds and another begins over the next six months.

Enter a new stage in a close relationship. Trust a sibling's advice. Make an important choice.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- One door closes at home as another opens with this solar eclipse. Relocate, make home improvements or prepare for roommate changes. Complete old projects to make space for new. A surge of energy fills you. Assume responsibility.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is an 8 -Advance to the next level. A creative project is coming due. Complete one phase and begin the next in your communications and travels with this Vernal Equinox solar eclipse. Reassess your progress and destination. Begin a new course of study.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 7 -- A new work and income phase begins with this solar eclipse in Pisces on the Vernal Equinox. Financial decisions you make now will last. Make a change you've been contemplating. Follow someone who cares about you.

Love gives you strength.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Make a personal change with the Spring Equinox. Begin a new direction for the next six months with the solar eclipse in your sign. Put your heart and creativity into it. Dress for your new role. (c)2015 BY NANCY BLACK DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Bliss

By Harry Bliss

B-5

March 20, 2015

S SPORTS

INSIDE SPORTS

900th Win

Rock Lacrosse

SRU head baseball coach Je Messer earns his 900th career win against West Chester University on March 8.

The SRU lacrosse team wins their home opener against Lake Erie College on Tuesday at home.

See Page C-2

See Page C-2

Rock men knocked out of NCAA Tournament

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCKATHLETICS

Senior forward Frank Holloway attempts to stop IUP guard Shawn Dyer from getting to the hoop during SRU's game on Sunday. Holloway finished with 12 points and three rebounds.

Free-throw differential leads to loss against IUP

By Brian HepďŹ nger Sports Editor

The Slipper y Rock University men's basketball team (21-11 overall, 14-8 PSAC) ended its season Sunday with a loss to Indiana University of Pennsylvania (29-6 overall, 17-5 PSAC) in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

After losing at halftime, IUP turned the game around and defeated the Rock 73-65.

SRU went into halftime with a 36-33 lead, but then allowed IUP to outscore them 40-29 in the second half.

"We knew we hadn't lost a game all year leading at the half, so we felt confident," SRU head coach Kevin Reynolds said. "They made plays and we missed shots we normally make."

IUP took the lead with 7:57 left to play and never allowed the Rock to regain control.

"They made some timely shots and their players made some very good plays," Reynolds said. "The ball didn't bounce our way a few times and if it had, we would've had a better chance."

Free-throws decided this game. IUP shot 14 more free-throws than SRU, shooting 89.7 percent (26-29) to SRU's 60 percent (9-15).

"The difference was the amount of freethrows they took," Reynolds said. "They're one of the best free-throw shooting teams. We did a good job of chasing them off of the three point line, but they made a lot of free-throws."

One positive for the Green and White was the rebounding differential. As the number one rebounding team in the nation, the Rock out-rebounded IUP 35-24.

Neither team assisted in double-digits, with SRU at six assists and IUP at eight assists.

The Green and White's offense was spread out among four players, including junior guard Malcolm Richardson, senior forward Frank Holloway, senior guard Antonio Butler and sophomore forward Chaquille Pratt.

Richardson led all Rock scorers with 22 points (10-14) to go along with seven rebounds and four assists. Holloway and Butler chipped in 12 and 10 points respectively, and Pratt finished with nine points (4-6) and seven rebounds.

IUP had four scorers in double-digits, including Shawn Dyer, Devante Chance, Brandon Norfleet and Daddy Ugbede. Dyer scored a game-high 23 points (6-10) to go along with three rebounds and one assist.

Chance scored 16 points (4-10) and had four rebounds and four assists. Norfleet and Ugbede had 12 and 11 points respectively.

As a team, SRU shot 43.1 percent (25-58) from the field and IUP shot 52.4 percent (2242) from the field.

The Rock finished this season with one more win than they had in the 2013-2014 campaign.

Reynolds said he is proud of his team and what they accomplished this season.

"In the last five years, we've been to postseason four times and we've won 20 games four times, not many teams in Division II can say that," Reynolds said. "Obviously the program is where we want it, we just need to make the next step. We're proud of that and now, in the off-season, we need to improve, and as coaches we need to recruit well. We've always had good players and good guys that are good on the court and off the court."

SPORTS

C-2

March 20, 2015

Lacrosse wins home opener over Lake Erie

By Cody McCullough Rocket Contributor

The Slipper y Ro ck University women’s lacrosse team (2-2) won their home opener 18-8 on Tuesday against Lake Erie College.

The win provided an opportunity to improve after back-to-back losses to Shepherd Un i v e r s i t y a n d the University of Mount Olive. The win gave SRU a 2-2 record on the season.

The game was never close, as the Rock went on a 7-0 run to break open a 1-1 tie, and ended the first half on a 10-2 run. Lake Erie was never able to build momentum after SRU took an 11-3 lead into the half.

SRU head coach E m i l y Ho p k i n s and senior attacker Paige Costantino said that what led to those goals was the Rock's ability to take advantage of mistakes. “ We h a d t h e ability to capitalize on their mistakes,” Hopkins said.

“That is what led to the big win.”

SRU held advantages in total shots (31-13), shots on goal (27-10),

ground balls (2319), draw controls (17-11) and caused turnovers (13-10).

SRU did not give them any breathing ro om f rom t he opening whistle, dominating in all phases of the game.

“We came out w it h i nt e n s it y,” Hopkins said. “We didn’t put ourselves in a hole like we did the previous two games.”

Costantino led her team with six p o i nt s , c o m i n g from four goals and two assists. Other big contributors were Erin Wilcox, who had herself a hat trick, Jasey Sanders, who scored two goals and had an assist, and Kaytlin C a l l ag h an , w h o also had two goals and an assist.

Danni Wilson, Ally Culhane and Bre Vodde scored the first goals of their career.

Goalkeeper Jo r d a n Wa g n e r earned her second win of the season, recording two saves and allowing four goals in the first 43:20.

Taylor Balbierz came in to take over and finish the game, allowing four goals in her first collegiate appearance.

Even with the win, Hopkins still

sees improvement that needs to happen if this team wants to continue having success.

“We need to be able to keep up the intensity for 60 minutes,” Hopkins s ai d . “We a l s o need to reduce our turnovers and be better with our shot placement.”

Costantino, one of the captains of SRU, believes that the team will fix those mistakes and go on to have a great season. She has a lot of faith in the team after what she has seen thus far.

“The team this year is determined now more than ever,” Costantino s aid. “We have the determination to battle back in situations when we are down. I think w e h av e m a ny t a lented players that can contribute great things to this team.”

The team will have to show that talent in a tough upcoming five game home stand, where three of those games are against Pennsylvania St at e At h l e t i c C onference opponents.

The Rock's next game is against Tiffin University on Saturday at 1 p.m. at home.

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Junior midfielder Erin Wilcox tries to keep the ball away from Lake Erie College freshman attacker Taylor Mathis during SRU's game on Tuesday. Wilcox has started in all four games this season and has eight goals.

Rock head baseball coach earns 900th career win

By Ryan Barlow Assistant Sports Editor

Slippery Rock University head baseball coach Jeff Messer has begun his 30th season in charge of the program, and his career with SRU has taken another leap forward as he just earned is 900th career win over spring break.

Having reached this milestone, Messer now ranks eighth among all active NCAA Division II coaches in career victories, and currently sits at 22 all time. His win total also now ranks him first among all active collegiate head coaches in Pennsylvania at any NCAA level.

"It's a good number to have, but we're not finished yet," Messer said.

"I like to look at championships as bigger accomplishments than just win totals. My assistants keep me more aware of the win total than I do myself."

Along with his win total, Messer's career has also come along with a long list of other accomplishments.

That list includes 15 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division titles, four PSAC championship appearances with two PSAC championship titles, four regional championships and four appearances in the NCAA Division II College World Series. Messer has also earned PSAC-West "Coach of the Year" honors 10 times. Messer's success with the program was also a key factor in the university deciding to build an on-campus baseball facility.

Jack Critchfield Park was built in 2002, and is considered to be a state of the art Division II baseball facility.

"The facilities are just amazing, and being able to see this stadium get built

was tremendous," Messer said. "The field we used to play on up on the hill was a very nice baseball field, but it was just a huge step forward for this entire program when we decided to build a stadium."

Messer has plenty of fond memories over his 30-year tenure at the Rock, but the 1989 Division II College World Series may stick out the most. That season, Messer and his squad nearly missed the PSAC playoffs, but thanks to a last game of the season win against Edinboro University, it propelled his team in to the tournament. The team's performance in the tournament actually earned them a spot in the NCAA tournament.

Messer has seen a lot of his former players move on from Slippery Rock and play at a professional level as well, and that is something that makes him very proud.

"We always check up on our guys to see what they're doing as professionals," Messer said. "Of course we have one guy that made it all the way to the big leagues and that is Matt Adams. It's exciting to have had him play with us and it's just so fun to follow him through his journey in the bigs."

Messer wishes to leave behind a lasting legacy at Slippery Rock, but still knows that he does not planning on stepping down from the position any time soon.

"Whenever I decide to leave, and it's not necessarily in the near future, I hope that whoever takes over respects what we've built here," Messer said.

"Whenever my time is finished, I will continue to be a big supporter and hope that the program continues to build and get better and better."

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCKATHLETICS

SRU head baseball coach Jeff Messer prepares his team before their games in Clearwater, Florida.

March 20, 2015

SPORTS

C-3

Women's outdoor track starts season strongly

By Cody Nespor Rocket Contributor

The Slippery Rock University women’s outdoor track team carried their success from the indoor season and had a strong start to the new season this past weekend at the Coastal Carolina University Invite in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

The Rock women combined to hit two NCAA provisional qualifying marks and eight Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) qualifying marks in the season’s opening meet.

The top performances for the Green and White came in events that are not done in indoor competition (javelin and the hammer throw) from junior Sam Taylor and senior Brittany Christiansen. Both Taylor and Christian hit NCAA provisional marks in their events. Taylor, competing in the javelin, came in second place with a 45.41 meter throw and was named the SRU female athlete of the week. Christiansen competed in the hammer throw event and came in third place with a throw of 50.8 meters.

SRU head coach John Papa was pleased to see strong performances from his athletes in the new outdoor environment and events.

“I think we made a good transition into the outdoor season, and we were lucky to have good weather to compete in for the most part,” Papa said. “it was good to see strong individual performances from a couple of our ladies in some of our weaker outdoor events we competed in.”

Also in the throwing events, freshman Anna Frengel hit a PSAC qualifying mark in the shot put where she came in 15th place with an 11.39 meter throw.

The Rock’s distance runners had a strong showing, placing athletes in the top five of three different events.

In the 3,000 meter steeple chase sophomore Kaylee Haberkam came in second place with a time of 11:46.00.

Freshman Tessa Dombi came in fourth place in the 5,000 meter run with a time of

18:40.71. Senior Janine Powis hit a PSAC qualifying mark in the 800 meter run by coming in third place with a time of 2:19.11.

Two different 4x400 meter relay teams found success for SRU, finishing in fifth and seventh place.

The team of juniors Lexie Nowakowski and Jasmine Bailey, freshman Katie Teed and sophomore Lauren Harvey finished in 4:03.46 to come in fifth place.

Freshmen Josette Dawson and Aerial Dukes, sophomore Erica Hans and junior Casaundra Swartzbaugh formed the relay team that finished in seventh place with a time of 4:07.09.

While the weather was clear for most of the meet there was heavy rain during the 4x100 meter relay that gave SRU some problems.

The rain caused a baton drop that cost Slippery Rock a place in the standings as the team recorded a did-not-finish (DNF) in the event. Papa thinks that this was a minor problem and that the 4x100 team can have great success.

“Without the baton drop I think we would’ve been one of the top relay teams there, and if we can limit mistakes going forward, we can have one of the top teams in the conference,” Papa said.

Individually Bailey and Swartzbaugh also had success. Bailey and fellow junior Emily Moroco competed in the 100 and 200 meters dashes.

In the 100 meter dash Bailey finished in 10th place with a time of 12.3 and Moroco ended the day in 15th place with a time of 12.44.

In the 200 meter-dash both women hit PSAC qualifying marks.

Bailey came in eight place with a time of 25.45 and Moroco came in 16th place with a time of 26.2.

Swartzbaugh found success in the hurdle events where the Rock hit four PSAC qualifying marks as a team.

Swartzbaugh finished tenth in the 400 meter hurdles with a time of 1:05.77.

Also competing in the 400 meter hurdles were Teed who finished in 12th place (1:06.55) and sophomore Kennedy Evan

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN PAPA

Junior Samantha Taylor competes in the javelin event at the Coastal Carolina Invite on March 13.

who finished in 13th place (1:07.48). All three hurdlers hit the PSAC qualifying mark.

The final PSAC qualifying mark was hit by freshman Sophie Mazza in the 100 meter hurdles, where she finished in 18th place with a time of 15.62.

“We have a long way to go in a small amount of time, but we know what our goals are and we know how to achieve them.”

SRU will return to action on March 21 at the California Invitational in California, Pennsylvania.

Rock baseball falls in PSAC opener against Mercyhurst

By Ryan Barlow Assistant Sports Editor

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCKATHLETICS

Junior Jon Anderson looks to strike out an opponent during the SRU baseball team's trip to Clearwater, Florida.

The Slippery Rock University baseball team (7-6 overall, 0-2 PSAC) dropped both games in its Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) opener against Mercyhurst Un i v e r s i t y ( 8 - 0 overall, 2-0 PSAC) Sunday, falling 2-1 in game one and 4-1 in game two. " Me r c y h u r s t i s one of our biggest competitors and we feel like we match up really well with them," Rock head coach Jeff Messer said. "We can't really make any excuses.

We were one pitch away from winning the first game and it just didn't go our way."

SRU jumped out to an early lead in the first inning of game one as redshirt sophomore Logan Brown singled in sophomore Preston Falascino from second base.

Merc yhurst redshirt sophomore pitcher Colin McKee threw all seven innings for the Lakers, surrendering just one run and striking out nine.

Senior Ryan

Og lesby was t he starting pitcher for Slipper y Rock in game one.

Oglesby was able to keep Mercyhurst off the board for 6 . 2 i n n i n g s an d was on his way to a complete game shut out before the Lakers had seventh inning two-out rally to beat Slippery Rock with a walk-off win.

Oglesby struck out five on six hits and was credited with his first loss of the season. " Ry an pitche d his heart out and really just pitched an outstanding baseball game," Messer said. "We had opportunities to score more than just one run and we didn't do that, so I just feel bad for Ryan because he competed so well in that game."

Junior Alex Bell gave SRU the lead in game two as he scored from third on a passed ball in the second inning.

The Rock's offense was held quiet the rest of the game by Mercyhurst senior Jo n K l e i n , w h o earned his second win of the season.

Junior Jake Hall came in the game midway through the

seventh inning to earn his second save of the year.

Senior Rock pitcher Ky l e Schneider allowed just one run through five innings, but surrendered three in the bottom half of the sixth to seal the win for the Lakers.

Schneider allowed six hits throughout t h e g am e, w h i l e striking out four.

D espite e ar ning his first loss of the season, Schneider still leads the SRU pitching staff with a 0.78 earned run average.

"Kyle Schneider has continued to pitch very effectively for us," Messer said. "I don't think he was as particularly as sharp as he has been in his first two appearances, but we just didn't take advantage of our opportunities on offense to get him the win."

Slipper y Rock continues PSAC play this weekend with a four-game home and away series with Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Games one and two will be played in Slippery Rock on Saturday, and the first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

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March 20, 2014

Slippery Rock Student Government Association Inc. Election Information Questio ns?

Contac t Brean na Ba bnb123 7@sru.e yer du

Qualifications: Executive Board Positions (President, Vice President of Student Affairs, Vice President of Internal Affairs, Vice President of Finance, and Vice President of Outreach) Must be a FULL TIME student at SRU Must have a minimum 2.35 QPA Must be able to obtain sophomore status by the beginning of the 2015 Fall Semester Must have completed two full semesters at SRU Must have attended two student government meetings prior to the election *These are stipend positions* Senator Positions (Residence Halls, Rock Apartments, Commuter and Graduate) Must have a minimum 2.25 QPA Must be residing in the district for the full academic year of which they are elected Applications can be found at www.srsga.org under “forms and documents” Petitions and Letter of Intent are due to the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership in 234 Student Center by 4pm on March18 April 2Required Candidate Meeting

March 2Election Packets Available online

April 6Campaigning begins at 12:01AM

April 3Candidates will be notified if candidacy is valid

March 31Petitions and Letter of Intent Due in CSIL

Registration begins April 6

Sun, sand and

SUMMER COURSES

at Slippery Rock University Great reasons to attend summer school at SRU: • Boost your grade-point average • Lighten your fall course load • Study abroad; earn credits • Summer internships • More than 295 classes

• More than 150 classes online • More than 60 graduate courses • Pay 2014-15 tuition rates • Undergraduate tuition for PA residents: $284/credit + fees

Five Sessions

Credits you can earn:

• Pre-session ......... May 13 - May 29 • Session I .............. June 1 - June 26 • Session II ............. June 29 - July 27 • Summer Term .... June 1 - July 27 • Full Summer ....... May 13 - July 27

• Pre-session: 6 credits in 12 days • Sessions I, II: 7 credits in 4 weeks • Summer Term: 12 credits in 8 weeks • 18 undergraduate credits in 11 weeks • 15 graduate credits in 11 weeks

QUESTIONS?

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Email: summer.school@sru.edu Phone: 724.738.2010

To view information on summer school and the summer class schedule: www.sru.edu/summer

Experience the Difference

www.SRU.edu A member of Pennsylvania‘s State System of Higher Education

April 15Voting Begins 8:00 AM

April 7Candidate Debate during Common Hour

April 23Winners announced at Common Hour

April 22Voting Ends 12:00 PM

April 24All campaign paraphernalia removed from campus

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CAMPUS LIFE

INSIDE CAMPUS LIFE

Keaton Makes A Comeback

Challenging Perceptions

Michael Keaton returns to the silver screen to star in the critically acclaimed film, "Birdman." The film takes a realistic look at what happens behind the scenes of a Broadway play.

A Duquesne University professor discusses racism and how an individual is perceived can be reflective of their environment and the company that they choose to keep.

See Page D-2

See Page D-3

SRU Musical Theatre Society's cabaret challenges performers musically

KARLEGIH SANTRY/THE ROCKET Junior creative writing and theatre major Phil Bova, 20, as Emcee, and junior Spanish major Hannah Stepanian, 21, a solo dancer, perform together in the Musical Theatre Society's cabaret, which showcased musical numbers from "Moulin Rouge," "Jekyll and Hyde," and "The Phantom of the Opera."

By Rebecca Sheriff Rocket Contributor

Slippery Rock’s Musical Theatre Society staged a production titled “The Moulin Rouge Cabaret” on March 17 and 18, that breathed new life into familiar songs from musicals such as “Moulin Rouge,” “Cabaret,” “Jekyll and Hyde,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Chicago” and many others.

The cabaret was completely student-run and codirected by Carina Iannarelli and Jessica Patterson.

“We always want to give any people from all different majors the chance to do the things they want in Musical Theatre Society,” Senior codirector and emerging technology and theatre double major Carina Iannarelli said. “The Society was asking for a ‘darker and sexier’ show to do. They wanted a challenge! So we gave it to them and I am very proud of all that they have accomplished.”

The show had been in production for a total of five weeks before opening on Tuesday. The cast of 30 students, regardless of skill level, learned new songs and how to perform the choreography.

Elements of the show, like the interactive set and special lighting effects, would not have been possible without the work of the ten pit-members and stage crew who helped the directors vision become a reality, Iannarelli said.

Junior cast member and secondary education

Follow this QR code to get behind the scenes access to the Musical Theatre Society's latest cabaret. social studies major Ryan Logue said everyone who participated was challenged in one way or another.

“We chose [the cabaret] to give everyone who auditioned for it a chance to really challenge themselves musically,” Classic songs from “Sweeny Todd” were juxtaposed with selections from recent revivals such as “Into the Woods” and “Burlesque”.

Highlights of the show include the opening scene of “Willkommen” from “Cabaret”, featuring Phil Bova and the ensemble.

The song created and captured the mood that

would set the stage for the rest of the evening.

Samantha Christou and AJ Newman’s performance of “Think of Me” from “The Phantom of the Opera” was the first duet to take advantage of the layout of the Swope Recital Hall. Later performers would remove aesthetic distances by singing within the audience.

The show in its entirety included an array of emotional solo performances, expressive group dance numbers, ensemble selections and an ovation-worthy closing group number of “Come What May” from Moulin Rouge.

All of this was accomplished with minimal but effective set pieces and lighting effects. The show was well received by audience and cast alike, with bountiful, encouraging and approving applause following each song.

“The thing I love most about this is that it requires a different type of acting than what most of us are used to,” Logue said. “It has been a good challenge for all of us to overcome.”

“This Cabaret has definitely been my favorite this year,” freshman cast member and hospitality, event management and tourism major Emily Anuszek said.

“Coming in as a freshman, I wasn’t sure what to expect joining this society, but it truly is a place to call home,” Anuszek said. “Everyone is so accepting and it’s like a giant family. My favorite thing about this Cabaret was how it taught us all to be comfortable in our bodies and own it!”

CAMPUS LIFE

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Ask Andi

March 20, 2015

Artistic comedy-drama, 'Birdman,' realistically portrays showbusiness

Andi is a senior at SRU giving advice to those who seek it and occassionally to those who don't.

Question: Dear Andi,

I've been friends with this guy for a while now, and I stress the word friends. I think that recently he's started to think of me as someone that he'd like to be more than friends with, but I just don't feel the same way about him. My friends have also noticed this too, and I don't know whether I should approach him about it, or just let the situation play out to see if my suspicions are true. I don't want things to get awkward between us because he's a good friend. What's a girl to do?

Sincerely, Friends with No Benefits

Answer:

Dear Friends with No Benefits, I have one rule that I've learned over the years, on many occasions, and I find this to be slightly (if not completely) applicable to this situation. NEVER assume. Ever.

There could be many other reasons as to why this guy is acting the way he is. Until he tells you straight up, to your face and looking into your eyes, I would wait to say anything. How bad would it be if you did say something and he doesn't have feelings for you? Talk about awkward! Play it cool for now, and maybe don't hang out with him as much if you find the situation is getting worse. But like I said, just never assume.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE The cast of "Birdman" celebrates their win for Outstanding Motion Picture Cast at the 21st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in late February. The film's star Michael Keaton returned to the silver screen to play the film's title character, who struggles to leave his super hero role 'Birdman' behind in favor of more serious roles, much like Keaton did with 'Batman."

Sincerely, Andi

Question: Dear Andi,

My friend just landed her first real job post-graduation and I'd be completely happy for her if it wasn't all she literally talks about.

I don't know how much more I can take of her going on about moving to a new city and getting new clothes for her job and her obsession with apartment hunting. I love her, but it's just not something I want to talk about all the time. I think that if I were as set as she is after college, I'd be as chatty as she is, but I'm not. Should I say anything, or just be happy for her and let it go?

Sincerely, Frozen Friendship

Answer: Dear Frozen Friendship, I think you can do both. I don't think that saying something to her would be wrong at all, but I do think how you say it makes a difference. If you want to tell her that it's bothering you, I would start by reminding her how happy you are for her and that you're really excited about how successful she is, but then maybe also say how it makes you feel. Make sure to use nice words though. For example, I wouldn't use the word "annoyed" because that could come off ruder than you might intend it to. Either that, or maybe take the approach of asking her to help you since she was so successful at finding a job.

This way you can validate her success while moving the conversation towards a similar topic that involves both of you!

I hope this helps and that everything works out! Bottom line, just try your best to be happy for her but don't let it discourage you.

Let it motivate you!

Andi

Harmony Kasper "The Film Buff" Harmony Kasper is a senior journalism and creative writing major and film and media studies minor and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

Michael Keaton made his big return to the award shows this year with the comedydrama film, “Birdman”(2014).

After starring in mainstream classics like “Batman” (1989) and “Batman Returns” (1992), “Beetlejuice” (1988) and “Jack Frost” (1998), Keaton decided to take a more artsy approach and sign on to star in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s (“Babel” 2006) film. Birdman also stars other big names, like Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover trilogy 2009-2013), Edward Norton (“Fight Club” 1999), Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, Emma Stone (“Superbad” 2007) and Naomi Watts (“King Kong” 2005).

The film follows the life of Riggan Thomson (Keaton) as he tries to put his superhero role "Birdman" in the past and move on to some more serious acting on Broadway. The plot could be compared to what Keaton may have gone through himself after his “Batman” films and was possibly type casted as a "superhero" actor immediately after. Keaton channels this inner desire to branch out from his past

perfectly, bringing in his own emotion to make it even more believable.

Throughout the film, the voice of Birdman continues to pester Riggan Thomson into going back to his "glory days" of being a superhero. There is something more going on with the story that makes it pretty dark. Could Riggan possibly have Dissociative Identity Disorder?

Zach Galifianakis plays Jake, Riggan's lawyer and friend, while Emma Stone plays his daughter Samantha, who is a recovering drug addict. Edward Norton plays Mike Shiner, Naomi Watts plays Leslie Truman and Andrea Riseborough plays Laura Aulburn, as actors in the Broadway production alongside Riggan. Amy Ryan plays Silvia Thomson, the mother of Samantha and exwife of Riggan.

Each of these characters has a unique relationship with Riggan that challenges him throughout the film. Also, his inner self that argues with him on making another blockbuster “Birdman” movie drives a lot of the insane decisions and actions that Riggan makes.

Since I am a huge award show "junkie," I knew I had to see this film as soon as possible because it won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Cinematography at the 87th annual Academy Awards this February. Keaton also took home his first Golden Globe award, winning for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy at the 72nd annual Golden Globe Awards in January. The film has to be viewed with an open mind and no expectations of what you think may or may not happen.

This film surprised me.

It was loud, violent, crude and wild. The characters did not give one ounce of care

for their actions as human beings. Each was selfish, but cared for one another at the most pertinent moment. It's also very artsy, with most of the film being shot with a single shot of film. This was a very interesting technique because the camera would follow the actors from one room to another, from the stage to out on Broadway.

This movie is not for someone who just wants to watch a film to see a lot of action or romance. Even though the film encompasses both, it relates more to an indie film that touches all subjects but in a more "real" manor. Many action films are completely sci-fi and fiction, while romance in movies is almost impossible to replicate in real life.

“Birdman” shows what some productions in the theater may really be like: actors sleeping with other a c t ors , d r u g s , a l c oh ol , physical and emotional fights and the general struggles of performing live. The movie is smart by bringing you around each character’s life so you get the full picture of how they really feel about each other.

I won't give away the ending, but in a sense it's very poetic.

It fits along with many of the other unanswered questions the film presents. I think people who appreciate the technicalities of film and dark comedy-drama would really like “Birdman."

Even though I was confused through some of it and am still thinking about what the ending meant, I thought it was a pretty good film. I can see why it swept at the Academy Awards and Keaton won his first Golden Globe because this is the type of film that wins awards. I think from now on, Michael Keaton is going to soar till the end, just like his character “Birdman” did through New York City.

March 20, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE

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Simulation challenges perceived misconceptions about the work ethic of people who live in poverty

By Janelle Wilson Asst. Campus Life Editor

SRU’s Student Nonprofit Alliance (SNA) demonstrated how impoverished people struggle to survive by hosting a poverty simulation Tuesday in the Smith Student Center Ballroom.

SNA paired with Butler’s Center for Community Resources (CCR) and Butler County Community Action to hold the simulation, which lasted an hour. The hour represented a month in the life of an impoverished person, each week totaling 15 minutes.

Each of the 85 participants who registered for the simulation were given a person to roleplay, and a detailed profile about that person.

The participants then were instructed to live as this person for the duration of the simulation, which included going to work or school, and paying for things like groceries and child care services.

Monica O’Donnell from CCR instructed participants during the simulation, and said that the goal of the simulation is to make participants see what it’s like to live in someone else’s shoes.

“There’s a big misconception that people who live in poverty are lazy,” O’Donnell said. “The background character information everyone’s given helps to personalize people who live in poverty, and the difficulties they face.”

O’Donnell said that she’s also done simulations with churches and county officials, and that it’s a good way to get people to take action on a prevalent issue.

S ophomore athletic training major, Ian Johnson, 20, played Glen Guten in the simulation, who was a 25-year-old with a child living on $6.50 per hour. He was arrested several times throughout the simulation, and said that he didn’t expect it’d be so difficult to keep up.

“I grew up in a middle class neighborhood outside of Harrisburg,” Johnson said. “I don’t deal with poverty first-hand, but this simulation helped me to gain empathy for other people.”

During the simulation, people could earn additional money by not only working, but also by selling their possessions at the pawnshop, or even selling drugs, which were represented by sugar packets. Many participants throughout the simulation were arrested for possessing or selling drugs, which put them even further behind the others, which senior nonprofit

ALEX MOWREY/ THE ROCKET After catching participant Jackie Burnac's mock family with drugs, volunteer Jessica Tager, who played the police officer, arrested them, and took them to jail in the simulation.

leadership major, Ann Tager, 22 said was representative of real life.

“It’s a vicious cycle,” she said. “Many participants were given profiles for drug addicts, and started out with the drugs and can’t get rid of them. It’s intentionally frustrating to the participants, so that they can get a sense of what that kind of life is like.”

She also said that the cycle of poverty is perpetuated by society, and how people who live in poverty don’t have a way out.

“You have people who work just as hard, if

not harder, than everyone else and are still struggling to survive,” Tager said. “The system just isn’t made for them.”

Volunteer, sophomore recreational therapy and non-profit organization major, Erin Eaton, 20, said that educating the community about poverty is essential to raising awareness.

“Poverty is out there, and it affects many people” Eaton said, “but a lot of people aren’t educated about it, or aware that there are resources for people who need help.”

Gender Studies Program speaker discusses how stereotypes, racism can impact perceptions of others

By Kelsey Phillips Rocket Contributor

A professor from Duquesne University discussed harmful misperceptions of different groups of people in the media during a presentation on Wednesday.

Dr. George Yancy discussed white privilege and racism from a philosophical approach at the “Black Male Bodies and the Problem of White Perception” event on behalf of the gender studies program.

The event was co-sponsored by Psi Chi, the Honors Program, the Office of Multicultural Development, the Fredrick Douglas Institute, the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, the Philosophy Department and the Political Science Department.

Quoting U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Yancy said that, “though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been, and continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards.”

As a philosophy professor at Duquesne University, Yancy said that it's his primary responsibility to be a “trouble maker” or a Socrates-like-gadfly who challenges the status quo and asks tough questions meant to prompt thought and action. His areas of expertise include critical philosophy of race, critical whiteness studies and philosophy of the black experience.

Yancy took on a “parrhesia” style of speaking in which he discussed racism openly and freely even at personal risk of receiving backlash for his opinions, he said.

Yancy used racial slurs and graphic details to illustrate stories and themes to the ATS auditorium of students and faculty members.

He exposed students to the “the stench of life" and told them to confront their opinions, he said.

Audience members were given the task to look around at one another – lock eyes with friends, strangers, professors, colleagues – and realize that one day they will all be dead, Yancy said.

He also said that what is between birth and that moment – the words one uses, the actions they take towards others – is important.

Yancy has contributed to a number of scholarly journals and has written 17 books, encouraging his students to record their own experiences with racism in journals. Many of his students thought they would not have much to write about, but then ended up with full, detailed pages.

He said that one student admitted to have never hugged a black person. But when he offered to hug her, thinking it would be a pinnacle moment, she declined.

Through his own experiences, and studies and interactions with students, Yancy allowed for several more topics to work their way into his discussion, merging racial stereotypes, culture, politics and sexuality.

Yancy challenged the audience to ask themselves “who am I?” as others would define them. He asked that audience members consider whether they’re seen as dangerous, safe, irresponsible, caring and more and to consider if these views are reflective of how they look, where they come from and who they are friends with.

Yancy compared this to the manner in which women are subjected to manipulation in pornography and advertisements to fill a certain description whether it was true of them or not. Yancy described it as having one’s body confiscated without their consent.

With stereotypes present in pop culture anything trending and circulated by mass media including attitudes, memes, movies, music, news and food, Yancy has been able to “look for himself ” in movies like “White Chicks” and “The Heart Break Kid” as the character who “needs no introduction." He is understood as "the black man," he said.

When recent news headlines announced the shut-down of the University of Oklahoma's chapter of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity after members were caught on camera singing racist songs, Yancy said he was reminded of the chanting of prejudiced remarks whether silently implied or clearly audible that he has encountered.

Quoting James Baldwin in his book, "White Self-Critically beyond Anti-racism: How Does It Feel to Be a White Problem?," Yancy stated “What you say about somebody else, reveals you.

What I think of you as being is dictated by my own necessities, my own psychology, my own fears and desires. I’m not describing you when I talk about you, I’m describing me.”

He calls this the “elevator effect.” Yancy walked the audience through his mindset while in an elevator with a white woman. He described his fear of alarming her with sudden movements, yet not wanting her to misinterpret a friendly smile as a sexually charged gesture. Yancy said he kept close note of the space he was taking up in the elevator, his eye contact and questioned whether or not to start a conversation with her to ease her mind, as he recounted many times that people on the streets would grasp their purse closer to their body as he would pass them, he said.

It also illustrates how people use perceptions of others to identify their environment and position in society, Yancy said. For example, seeing someone with similar features may make one feel safe or comfortable. Viewing a person as a dangerous or “bad” person can allow people to distinguish their own actions and classify themselves as a “good” person.

Along with encouraging discussions and presentations on the topic, individuals can work on realizing where their perspectives come from, Yancy said. He likened this to having the gift of second sight in which one can deconstruct their attitudes and actions and find the root of them, whether it is from culture, personal experiences or other sources.

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March 20, 2015